CRESTVIEW — You could say that Holly Gibson, Crestview High School’s new softball coach, is an accidental coach.
But that doesn’t mean her passion for the job is any less real.
Gibson, the former Holly Langley, played Bulldog softball and graduated from CHS in 2004. She said she had no plans on being Crestview's softball coach, but fate intervened when the school was looking for its sixth coach in seven years.
“I was looking for an accounting job,” Gibson said. “My degree’s in accounting. I was going through the school board (website) and I found the softball coaching position was open.
“It made me sad because, when I was here, I had the same coach (Greg Brock) all four years. My heart was for the girls. It was, ‘Somebody needs to get in there and turn the program back around.’”
She then emailed Crestview Principal Dexter Day and inquired about the job. The email led to a meeting between Day and Gibson, and things fell into place for her to get the job.
“I didn’t go to school to be a coach,” Gibson said. “This is my 10th year since graduating. If you would have told me I was going to be a coach at Crestview High School, I would have told you that you are crazy.
“I love the school and I take pride in it because I played on this field and I have been where these girls have been. I want the girls to see that it is more than just a game. I’m teaching them life skills and being responsible and having a good attitude.
“The past is the past and we are not looking back. We are moving forward — and I’m committed to sticking around and turning the program around.”
Email News Bulletin Sports Editor Randy Dickson, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Former Bulldog takes over CHS softball program